IT202000019357A1 - COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL OF LOCKING DEVICES FOR ACCESS BARRIERS TO CONFINED SPACES. - Google Patents

Description

COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING LOCKING DEVICES

FOR ACCESS BARRIERS TO CONFINED SPACES

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a computerized system for controlling closing devices for access barriers to confined spaces, for example doors or access panels for cabinets or technical compartments, building doors, container access panels, cabin doors or cockpits, gates, doors, and the like.

In particular, the computerized system, according to the invention, is intended to check the release or lock conditions of closing devices for access barriers to confined spaces.

As known, in many infrastructures, for example in telephone or electricity networks, ? the use of cabinets or technical compartments to which ? necessary to access for any technical interventions in the field.

To open a technical cabinet, ? it is normally necessary to manually unlock the lock of a corresponding access door, for example by means of a key or a tool.

How can you? easy to understand, this traditional modus operandi is rather awkward and laborious to manage in daily practice, if the cabinets to be accessed are numerous and spaced apart.

Furthermore, it has significant limitations in terms of security since it is very difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain the identity of the person. of the person accessing a wardrobe. In light of the problems set out above, in the state of the art, ? greatly felt the need? of new solutions that facilitate and make access operations to a confined space quick, simple and safe (for example a wardrobe or technical compartment, a building room, a container, a cabin, a cockpit, and the like) for which it is necessary to unlock the lock of a locking device.

The present invention aims to respond to this need by providing a computerized system for controlling closing devices for access barriers to confined spaces, according to claim 1 and the related dependent claims proposed below.

In its general definition, the computerized system, according to the invention, is? adapted to control the operation of closure devices for access barriers to confined spaces, e.g. doors or access panels for cabinets or utility rooms, building doors, container access panels, cabin or cockpit doors, gates, doors, and similar.

According to the invention, each closing device comprises:

- a lock that can be operated reversibly between a block condition, in correspondence with which said lock cannot? be opened manually by a user, and an unlock condition, in which said lock cannot? be opened manually by a user;

- an electromechanical actuation device for reversibly actuating said lock between said locking and unlocking conditions;

- a?unit? control capable of communicating with a computerized device and including computerized resources for controlling the operation of said electromechanical actuation.

The computerized system, according to the invention, comprises:

- a computerized platform connected to a digital communication network and comprising computerized resources for managing said closing devices;

- at least one computerized device capable of communicating with said computerized platform and with the unit? control of each closing device. Said computerized device ? capable of executing a? software application to interact with said computerized platform and the? unit? control of a locking device.

According to the invention, said computerized platform and said at least one computerized device are suitable for carrying out unlocking procedures or locking procedures of a closing device in cooperation with the unit? control of said closure device.

Said at least a computerized device ? capable of sending, during said unlocking or blocking procedures, command messages to the unit? control of a locking device. Such command messages include data packets which include command instructions for said unit? control of this closing device.

These data packets were previously sent from the computer platform to the computer device by further previous command messages sent from said computer platform to said computer device.

Furthermore, such data packets are encrypted by the computer platform so that they are unreadable by said computer device and readable by the computer? control of said closing device.

According to an important aspect of the invention, said computerized platform and said at least one computerized device are able to carry out a procedure for unlocking a closing device in cooperation with the unit? control of said closure device.

This unlocking procedure includes the following steps:

- by said computerized device, sending a request-unlocking message of said closing device to said computerized platform;

- by said computerized platform, sending, following receipt of said unlock-request message, a first unlock-command message to said computerized device. Does the first command-unblock message include a first data packet which includes command instructions for said unit? control. That first data package ? encrypted by said computerized platform so as to be unreadable for said computerized device and readable for the unit? for controlling said closure device;

- by said computerized device, sending, following receipt of said first command-unlock message, a second command-unlock message to said closing device. Said second command-unlock message comprises said first data packet encrypted by said computerized platform.

The unit control of said closure device ? configured to send, following receipt of said second command-release message, first control signals to the electromechanical actuation device of said closing device in order to actuate the lock of said closing device from said lock condition to said condition unlock.

Preferably, the unit? locking device control ? able to perform a verification of validity? of the command instructions included in said first data packet before sending said first control signals.

According to one aspect of the invention, the unit? control of said closure device ? adapted to send, following the actuation of said lock from said unlocked position to said locked position, second control signals to the electromechanical actuation device of the locking device to actuate the lock of said locking device from said unlocked condition to said blocking condition, in the event that the user does not open said lock within a predefined period of time starting from the moment of activation of said lock, following execution of said release procedure.

According to one aspect of the invention, the unit? control of said closure device ? adapted to send, following the manual closing of the lock of a closing device by a user, second control signals to the electromechanical actuation device of said closing device to actuate the lock of said closing device from said unlocked condition under this blocking condition.

According to one aspect of the invention, said computerized platform and said at least one computerized device are suitable for carrying out a locking device locking procedure in cooperation with the unit? control of said closure device.

This blocking procedure includes the following stages:

- by said computerized device, sending a request-block message of said closing device to said computerized platform;

- by said computerized platform, sending, following receipt of said block-request message, a first block-command message to said computerized device. Said first command-block message comprises a second data packet including command instructions for said unit? control. That second data package ? encrypted by said computerized platform so as to be unreadable for said computerized device and readable for the unit? control of said closure device.

- by said computerized device, sending, following receipt of said first command-lock message, a second command-lock message to said closing device. Said second command-block message comprises said second data packet encrypted by said computerized platform.

The unit control of said closure device ? configured to send, upon receipt of said second command-lock message, second control signals to the electromechanical actuation device of the closing device in order to actuate the lock of said closing device from said unlocked condition to said unlocked condition block.

According to one aspect of the invention, called at least one computerized device ? adapted to send to said computerized platform diagnostic data relating to the operating conditions of the lock of a closing device. Are these diagnostic data sent by the unit? control of said closing device.

According to one aspect of the invention, said computerized platform and said at least one computerized device are suitable for carrying out a procedure for selecting a closure device to be unlocked or locked.

This selection procedure includes the following stages:

- by said computerized device, sending a message of selection of said closing device to said computerized platform;

- by said computerized platform, verifying, following receipt of said selection message, whether the computerized device can be enabled to interact with said closing device.

Preferably, this verification step comprises verifying that the position of said computerized device is compatible with the position of the selected closure device.

According to one aspect of the invention, said computerized platform and said at least one computerized device are able to perform an access procedure to said computerized platform.

This access procedure includes the following phases:

- by said computerized device, sending an access-request message to said computerized platform;

- by said computerized platform, verify whether the user of said computerized device is enabled to interact with said computerized platform.

Preferably, said at least a computerized device ? a mobile computer device.

Preferably, said at least a computerized device ? a computer device certified by said computer platform for accessing said computer platform.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention can be better perceived by referring to the description given below and to the attached figures, provided for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes, in which:

- figure 1 schematically illustrates the computerized system, according to the invention;

- figures 2-5 schematically illustrate some operating procedures performed by the computerized system according to the invention.

With reference to the cited figures, the present invention refers to a computerized system 1 for controlling closing devices 100 for access barriers to confined spaces, for example access doors or panels for cabinets or technical compartments, building doors, panels for access to containers, cabin or cockpit doors, gates, doors, and the like.

Each closing device 100 comprises a lock 101 which can be reversibly operated between an unlocked condition, in correspondence with which said lock can be locked. be opened manually by a user, and a block condition, in which such a lock cannot? be opened manually by a user.

If it is in an unlocked condition, the lock 101 can? be manually operated in an open or closed condition.

Preferably, for the manual opening or closing of the lock 101, the closing device 1 advantageously comprises a handle 103 or an equivalent mechanical device.

Each locking device 100 comprises an electromechanical actuation device 102 (e.g. a solenoid or electromagnet actuator, an electric motor or similar device) for reversibly actuating the lock 101 between the locked and unlocked conditions, advantageously in response to receiving respective control signals C1, C2 sent by a?unit? control.

Preferably, such is the electromechanical actuation device 102? arranged in such a way as to allow the (manual) closure of the lock even when the latter is in the locked condition.

Preferably, each closing device 100 comprises sensor means 105 (for example one or more micro-switches) suitable for supplying detection signals S indicative of the operative state of the lock 101. Advantageously, the detection signals S can be indicative of a condition condition, an unlock condition, an open condition or a closed condition of the lock 100.

In general, the lock 101, the electromechanical actuation device 102, the handle 103 and the sensor means 105 can be manufactured on an industrial level according to solutions of the known type and will not be described here in further detail for reasons of brevity. exhibition. The closing device 100 can? furthermore comprise further components of the mechanical or electromechanical type made according to solutions of the known type and which are not described here for reasons of brevity? exhibition. For example, the electromechanical actuation device 102 can be operatively coupled to the lock 101 by means of a kinematic chain intended to transmit an actuation force impressed by the electromechanical actuation device.

The closure device 100 comprises a unit? control electronics 104.

Preferably, the unit? controller 104 comprises at least one digital processing device, for example a microprocessor, capable of executing appropriate software instructions stored in a memory medium to implement the functionalities? provided for the? unit? control.

The unit control 104 ? provided with suitable computerized resources 104A configured to control the operation of the electromechanical actuation device 102. Such computerized resources can advantageously comprise software or firmware modules or programs executable by the units? of digital processing on board the unit? control.

Advantageously, the unit? control 104 ? able to communicate, preferably in modality? wirelessly, with an external computer device 20, in particular with a mobile computer device.

To this end, the unit? of control 104 advantageously comprises at least one communication port (not shown), preferably a wireless communication port.

Preferably, this communication port ? a communication port for proximity communications. To this end, it can advantageously to use known communication protocols, for example Bluetooth?, Wi-Fi?, Zigbee? or similar.

Preferably, the unit? control 104 ? capable of communicating with a computerized device 20 using suitable security protocols which envisage encryption (for example by means of asymmetric cryptography ? RSA) of the data received and transmitted by the unit? control.

In general, the communication between the unit? controller 104 and an external computerized device 20 (particularly a mobile computerized device) can take place in the manner of known type (for example by packet data transmission), widely used in communications between electronic devices. Such modalities? of communication will not be described in detail here for reasons of brevity? exhibition.

Obviously, the unit? control 104 ? provided with suitable computerized resources (not shown) configured to allow communication with an external computerized device 20, in particular in order to implement the functionalities which will be better described below. Such computer resources may advantageously include software or firmware modules or programs that the drives can execute. of digital processing on board the unit? control itself.

At an industrial level, the unit? control electronics 104 pu? be made according to known solutions. For example, it can consist of an electronic board assembled using THT, PHT, SMT or similar mounting techniques.

The computerized system 1, according to the invention, comprises a computerized platform 10 in a remote position with respect to the closing devices 100.

This computerized platform can advantageously include one or more unit? computers interacting with each other. Advantageously, the aforementioned units? computers can be equipped with operating systems designed to perform functionalities? of type ?server? or ?client?, according to the needs.

The computerized platform 10 ? prepared with suitable computerized resources 10A configured to manage the closing devices 100 operatively, at a centralized level.

These computerized resources may include, for example, appropriate software application modules installed on one or more unit? computerized platform computerized 10 and executables from these units? computerized to perform the functionality? requests.

The computerized platform 10 ? connectable to a digital communication network, preferably to a broadband telephone communication network (Internet data traffic). The computerized platform 10 ? advantageously able to communicate remotely with one or more? computerized devices 20 (preferably of the mobile type), for example via the Internet. To this end, it can use communication protocols of a known type, for example a TCP/IP protocol.

Preferably, the computer platform 10 ? able to communicate remotely with a computerized device 20 using suitable security protocols which envisage encryption (for example by means of asymmetric cryptography ? RSA) of the data received and transmitted by the computerized platform.

Preferably, the computer platform 10 ? able to communicate remotely, for example via the Internet, with one or more? front-end computerized stations 30. By means of these computerized stations, a user or manager of the computerized platform 10 can interact with the latter to manage the computerized system 1.

Preferably, the computer platform 10 ? able to communicate remotely, for example via the Internet, with one or more? further computerized support platforms 40, for example intended to interact with the computerized platform 10 for the certification of electronic devices 20A connectable to the latter.

In general, the communication between the computerized platform 10 and the aforementioned computerized devices 20 (preferably of the mobile type), the front-end computerized stations 30 and the computerized platforms 40 can take place in the manner of known type (for example by means of packet data transmission), widely used in (remote level) communications between computerized systems. Such modalities? of communication will not be described in detail here for reasons of brevity.

Of course, the computerized platform 10 ? having suitable computer resources (not shown) configured to communicate with such computer systems or devices. These computerized resources may include, for example, appropriate software application modules installed on one or more unit? computerized platform computerized 10 and executables from these units? computerized to perform the functionality? requests.

At an industrial level, the computerized platform 10 pu? be implemented according to known solutions, for example according to a?cloud?architecture.

The computerized system 1, according to the invention, comprises one or more? computerized devices 20, preferably of the mobile type, for example tablets, smartphones, laptops, or the like.

Each computerized device 20 ? capable of communicating with the computerized platform 10 by means of remote communications (for example via the Internet), preferably wireless.

To this end, each computerized device 20 preferably comprises at least one remote, preferably wireless, communication port. This communication port can? use communication protocols of a known type, for example a TCP/IP protocol. Each computerized device 20 ? able to communicate with the unit? control 104 of a closing device 100.

To this end, each computerized device 20 preferably comprises at least one communication port for communications at the local level, preferably wireless. This communication port can? use known communication protocols, such as Bluetooth?, Wi-Fi?, Zigbee? or similar.

Preferably, each computerized device 20? able to communicate with the computerized platform 10 and the unit? control device 104 of a closing device 100 using suitable security protocols which envisage encryption of the data (for example by means of asymmetric encryption ? RSA) received and transmitted by the computerized device.

In general, the communication between each computerized device and the computerized platform 10 or the unit? control 104 of a closing device 100 pu? take place in the manner of known type (for example by means of packet data transmission), widely used in communications between computerized devices or systems. Such modalities? of communication will not be described in detail here for reasons of brevity? exhibition.

Obviously, each computerized device ? provided with suitable computerized resources (not illustrated) configured so as to allow communication with the computerized platform 10 or the unit? of control 104 of a closing device 100, in particular in order to implement the functionalities? which will be better described below. Such computerized resources may advantageously comprise software or firmware modules or programs executable by the computerized device itself.

Preferably, each computerized device 20? a computerized device certified by the computerized platform 10 for accessing the latter. Thus, the computerized platform 10 can uniquely associate the computerized device 20 with a user of the computerized system 1.

Certification of computerized device 20 can? be performed through appropriate certification procedures which provide for the interaction of this computerized device with the computerized platform 10 and/or with an external computerized platform 40 dedicated to the purpose.

These certification procedures can be of a known type and will not be described in detail here for reasons of brevity. exhibition.

To interact with the computerized platform 10 and the unit? control 104 of a closing device 100, each computerized device 20 must execute a software application 20A stored on board.

Such 20A software application ? advantageously configured so as to allow a computerized device 20 to implement the functions which will be better described below.

According to the invention, the computerized platform 10 and each computerized device 20 are capable of performing unlocking procedures 50 or locking procedures 60 of a closing device 100 in cooperation with the unit? of control 104 of the latter (figures 2, 3).

During the execution of these locking or unlocking procedures, the computerized device 20 transmits command messages to the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100, in particular command-release messages UC2 or command-block messages LC2.

The aforementioned command messages UC2, LC2 include data packets DP1, DP2 sent from the computer platform 10 to the computer device 20 by means of previous further dedicated command messages UC1, LC1.

The data packets DP1, DP2 included in the aforementioned command messages UC2, LC2 include command instructions for the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100.

An important aspect of the invention consists in the fact that such data packets DP1, DP2 are encrypted by the computerized platform 10 so as to be unreadable by the computerized device 20 (in particular by the software application 20A executed by the latter) and readable by the unit? control 10 of the closing device 100.

This technical solution, proposed by the invention, offers considerable advantages in terms of safety in the operational management of the closing devices 100.

The command instructions (lock or release) of the lock 101, transmitted by the computerized platform 10, do not become available in any way to the user of the computerized device 20 but are accessible only to the unit? control panel 104 of the closing device for which they are intended.

If authorized, the user of the computerized device 20 can? therefore obtain the release or blocking of the lock 101 of the closure device 100 but cannot? acquire knowledge of the specific command instructions necessary to carry out this operation.

The user of device 20 cannot? then use this information to independently unlock or lock the lock 101 of the closing device 100, without having previously interacted with the computerized platform 10 by means of the computerized device 20 and having previously been authorized to operate.

The solution proposed by the invention ? which can be practically implemented using encryption techniques of the known type.

For example, if an asymmetric cryptographic technique (RSA) is employed, the computer platform 10 will be? provided with the private key to encrypt the aforementioned DP1, DP2 data packets while only the unit? of control 104 of the control device 100 sar? supplied (for example memorized on board during installation) with the public key to decrypt these data packets. This public key will not be instead supplied to the computerized devices 20 and will not be? therefore available for the software application 20A executed by them.

The data packets DP1, DP2 are therefore not accessible to the computerized device 20. This latter can only forward the data packets above to the unit? control panel 104 of the closing device for which they are intended, for example by encapsulating them in suitable encrypted command messages.

The command messages UC2, LC2, sent by the computerized device 20 to the unit? of control 104 of a closing device 100, can advantageously include further data or instructions in addition to the aforementioned data packets DP1, DP2. Advantageously, such further data or instructions can be encrypted by the computerized device 20 so as to be readable by the unit? control 104.

Likewise, the command messages UC1, LC1, sent by the computerized platform 10 to the computerized device 20 to provide the data packets DP1, DP2 to this computerized device, can advantageously include further data or instructions in addition to the aforementioned data packets. Advantageously, such further data or instructions can be encrypted by the computerized platform 10 so as to be readable by the computerized device 20 and thus be encrypted. available for the 20A software application run by the latter.

According to an aspect of the invention the invention, the computerized platform 10 and each computerized device 20 are capable of performing an unlocking procedure 50 of a closing device 100 in cooperation with the unit? control panel 104 of the aforementioned closing device.

This unlocking procedure? described in detail below, with particular reference to figure 2.

The unlocking procedure 50 comprises a phase 51 in which the computerized device 20 sends an UR unlock request message of the closing device 100 (or rather of the latter's lock 101) to the computerized platform 10.

In a practical implementation of step 51 of procedure 50, the UR unlock request message can be a data message transmitted electronically according to the modalities? illustrated above.

The computerized device 20 can? advantageously to encrypt this message so that the data contained are not accessible to third parties but readable by the computerized platform 10.

The unlocking procedure 50 comprises a step 52 in which the computerized platform 10 sends, in response to the receipt of the above-mentioned request-unlocking message UR, a first command-unlocking message UC1 to the computerized device 20.

The command-unlock message UC1 includes a data packet DP1 encrypted by the computer platform 10 to be unreadable by the computer device 20 and readable by the computer? control 104 of the closing device 100.

Preferably, the command-unlock message UC1 also includes further data or instructions D1 in addition to the aforementioned data packet DP1. These data or instructions are advantageously readable by the computerized device 20 and made available for the software application 20A executed by the latter.

In a practical implementation of step 52 of procedure 50, the unblock command message UC1 can? be a data message transmitted electronically according to the modalities? illustrated above.

The computerized platform 10 can? advantageously encapsulate the data packet DP1 (already encrypted according to the methods illustrated above) within the unblock command message UC1 together with the further data D1.

The command-release message UC1 can? be further encrypted so as to be inaccessible to third parties but readable (with the exception of data packet DP1) for the computerized device 20 to which ? intended.

The unlocking procedure 50 comprises a step 53 in which the computerized device 20 sends, in response to the receipt of the command-unlocking message UC1 sent by the computerized platform 10, a second command-unlocking message UC2 to the unit? control 104 of the closing device to be released.

The command-unlock message UC2 includes the data packet DP1 encrypted by the computerized platform 10 and previously sent by the latter to the computerized device 20.

Preferably, the command-unlock message UC2 also includes further data or instructions D2 in addition to the aforementioned data packet DP1. Are these data or instructions advantageously readable by? control 104 of the closing device 100.

In a practical implementation of step 53 of procedure 50, the unblock command message UC2 can? be a data message transmitted electronically according to the modalities? illustrated above.

The computerized device 20 can? advantageously to encapsulate the data packet DP1 (already encrypted according to the methods illustrated above and received by the computerized platform 10 with the unlock-command message UC1) within the unlock-command message UC2 together with the further data D2.

The UC2 unlock-command message can? be encrypted so as to be inaccessible to third parties but readable (such as the DP1 data packet) for the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100.

As illustrated above, the computerized device 20 and the unit? of control 104 of the closing device 100 are preferably arranged to communicate with each other with proximity communications.

In the event that the computerized device 20 cannot be connected to the unit? control unit 104 of the closing device 100 for some reason (for example because it is too far away), the computerized device 20 advantageously provides for keeping the command-release message UC2 and for sending this command message to the unit? of control 104 of the closing device, as soon as it is possible to establish a connection with this unit? control, according to the communication protocol used.

Preferably, before sending the command-unlocking message UC1, the computerized platform 10 performs, in cooperation with the computerized device 20, some preliminary checks to ascertain that the unlocking of the closing device 100 is compatible with the operating conditions of the latter . In the event that these checks are not successful, the computerized platform 10 can advantageously send a notification message to the computerized device 20 (in place of the unlock command message UC1). The computerized device 20 can? make this notification message available to the user.

In response to the receipt of the command-release message UC2 sent by the computerized device 20, the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100 sends first control signals C1 to the electromechanical actuation device 102 of the closing device. Preferably, before sending the C1 control signals, the unit? of control 104 of the closing device 100 performs a verification of validity? of the command instructions included in data package DP1, for example to ascertain that these command instructions are compatible with the operating conditions or settings of the locking device 100.

For example, in the event that the unit? control unit 104 is configured to command the release of the lock 101 only in a predefined time interval, the unit? of control 104 verifies that the received command instructions are compatible with such modalities? lock release operations.

In the event that these checks are not successful, the unit? control 104 sends a notification message to the computerized device 20. The latter provides for forwarding this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and making it available to the user.

In response to the receipt of the first control signals C1, the electromechanical actuation device 102 operates the latch device lock 101 from a locked condition to an unlocked condition.

When the lock of 101 of the closing device 100 passes from a locked condition to an unlocked condition, the sensor means 105 of the closing device 100 send to the unit? control 104 detection signals S indicative of the new operating state of the lock 101.

Preferably, the unit? control 104 stores this information and sends a notification message of the operating status of the mechanical lock 101 to the computerized device 20. The latter forwards this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and makes it available to the user.

When the closing device 100 is in the unlocked condition with the lock 101, the user can? advantageously to open this lock using the handle 103.

When the lock of 101 of the closing device 100 passes from a closed condition to an open condition, the sensor means 105 of the closing device 100 send to the unit? control 104 detection signals S indicative of the new operating state of the lock 101.

Preferably, the unit? The control system 104 memorizes this information and sends a notification message of the operating status of the mechanical lock 101 to the computerized device 20. The latter advantageously provides for forwarding this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and making it available to the user. Preferably, in the event that the user does not open the lock 101 within a predefined period of time (for example 60 s) starting from the moment of activation of the lock in unlocked conditions (following the execution of the unlocking procedure 50 ), the? unit? control 104 of the closing device 100 sends second control signals C2 to the electromechanical actuation device 102 in order to actuate the lock 101 from the aforementioned unlocked condition to the locked condition.

In practice, according to this aspect of the invention, the unit? control 104 commands a new blocking of the lock 101 in the event that the latter is not definitively opened by the user, following the release obtained by carrying out the release procedure 50. How?? easily understood, this solution advantageously allows to increase the level of safety in the operational management of the closing device 100.

When the lock of 101 of the closing device 100 returns to a locked condition, the sensor means 105 of the closing device 100 send to the unit? control 104 detection signals S indicative of the new operating state of the lock 101.

Preferably, the unit? The control system 104 memorizes this information and sends a notification message of the operating status of the mechanical lock 101 to the computerized device 20. The latter advantageously provides for forwarding this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and making it available to the user. The user can close the lock 101 of the closing device using the handle 103 since said lock is in an unlocked condition.

When the lock of 101 of the closing device 100 returns to a closed condition, the sensor means 105 of the closing device 100 send to the unit? control 104 detection signals S indicative of the new operating state of the lock 101.

Preferably, the unit? The control system 104 memorizes this information and sends a notification message of the operating status of the mechanical lock 101 to the computerized device 20. The latter advantageously provides for forwarding this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and making it available to the user.

When the lock of 101 of the closing device 100 returns to a closed condition, the transition of this lock to a locked condition takes place preferably according to the modalities? described below.

According to a possible solution, the unit? control device 104 of the locking device automatically sends, following the manual closing of the lock 101 by the user, second control signals C2 to the electromechanical actuation device 102 to operate the lock 101 from the unlocked condition to the locked condition.

According to a further solution, not necessarily an alternative to the one previously illustrated, the computerized platform 10 and the computerized device 20 can perform a blocking procedure 60 of a closing device 100 in cooperation with the unit? control panel 104 of the aforementioned closing device.

This blocking procedure ? described in detail below, with particular reference to figure 3.

The locking procedure 60 comprises a phase 61 in which the computerized device 20 sends a lock request message LR of the locking device 100 (or rather of the lock 101 of the latter) to the computerized platform 10.

The LR lock-request message can also advantageously be a data message transmitted electronically according to the modalities? illustrated above.

The computerized device 20 can? advantageously to encrypt this message so that the data contained are not accessible to third parties but readable by the computerized platform 10.

The blocking procedure 60 comprises a phase 62 in which the computerized platform 10 sends, in response to the receipt of the aforementioned block request message LR, a first block command LC1 to the computerized device 20.

The unlock command LC1 includes a data packet DP2 encrypted by the computer platform 10 so as to be unreadable by the computer device 20 and readable by the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100.

Preferably, the unlock command LC1 also includes further data or instructions D3 in addition to the aforementioned data packet DP2. These data or instructions are advantageously readable by the computerized device 20 and made available for the software application 20A executed by the latter.

In a practical implementation of step 62 of procedure 60, the unlock command UC1 can? be a data message transmitted electronically according to the modalities? illustrated above. The computerized platform 10 can? advantageously encapsulate the data packet DP2 (already encrypted according to the methods illustrated above) within the command message LC1 together with the further data D3.

The command message LC1 can? be further encrypted so as to be inaccessible to third parties but readable (with the exception of the data packet DP2) for the computerized device 20 to which ? intended.

The unlocking procedure 60 comprises a phase 63 in which the computerized device 20 sends, in response to the receipt of the command-lock message LC1 sent by the computerized platform 10, a second command-lock message LC2 to the unit? control 104 of the closure device to be locked.

The command-unlock message LC2 includes the data packet DP2 encrypted by the computerized platform 10 and previously sent by the latter to the computerized device 20.

Preferably, the command-block message LC2 also includes further data or instructions D4 in addition to the aforementioned data packet DP2. Are these data or instructions advantageously readable (like the DP2 data packet) by the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100.

In a practical implementation of step 63 of procedure 60, the block command message LC2 can? be a data message transmitted electronically according to the modalities? illustrated above.

The computerized device 20 can? advantageously to encapsulate the data packet DP2 (already encrypted according to the methods illustrated above and received by the computerized platform 10 with the block message LC1) within the command-block message LC2 together with the further data or instructions D4.

The command-block message LC2 can? be further encrypted so as to be inaccessible to third parties but readable for the unit? control 104 of the closing device 100.

As illustrated above, the computerized device 20 and the unit? 104 of the closing device 100 are preferably arranged to communicate with each other with proximity communication.

In the event that the computerized device 20 cannot be connected to the unit? of control 104 of the closing device 100 for some reason, the computerized device 20 advantageously provides for keeping the block-command message LC2 and for sending this command message to the unit? control unit 104 of the closing device 100, as soon as it is possible to establish a connection with this unit? control, according to the communication protocol used.

Preferably, before sending the unlocking command LC1, the computerized platform 10 performs, in cooperation with the computerized device 20, some preliminary checks to ascertain that the blocking of the closing device 100 is compatible with the operating conditions of the latter. In the event that these checks are not successful, the computerized platform 10 can advantageously sending a notification message to the computerized device 20 (in place of the command-block message LC2). The computerized device 10 can? make this message available notify the user.

In response to the receipt of the command-block message LC2 sent by the computerized device 20, the unit? control 104 of the closure device 100 sends second control signals C2 to the electromechanical actuation device 102 of the closure device.

Preferably, before sending the C2 control signals, the unit? of control 104 of the closing device 100 performs a verification of validity? of the command instructions included in data package DP2, for example to ensure that these command instructions are compatible with the operating conditions or settings of the locking device 100.

In the event that these checks are not successful, the unit? control 104 sends a notification message to the computerized device 20. The latter provides for forwarding this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and making it available to the user.

In response to the receipt of the second control signals C2, the electromechanical actuation device 102 operates the latch device lock 101 from the unlocked condition to the locked condition.

When the lock of 101 of the closing device 100 passes into the locked condition, the sensor means 105 of the closing device 100 send to the unit? control 104 detection signals S indicative of the new operating state of the lock 101.

Preferably, the unit? The control system 104 memorizes this information and sends a notification message of the operating status of the mechanical lock 101 to the computerized device 20. The latter advantageously provides for forwarding this notification message to the computerized platform 10 and making it available to the user. Preferably, if for some reason it is not It is possible to complete the blocking procedure 60 illustrated above (for example because the computerized device 20 is no longer able to communicate with the control unit 104 of the closing device 20), the closing device 20 sends a message of notification to the computerized platform 10 in order to signal this anomaly (the lock 101 could remain in an unlocked condition without the possibility of checking its operating status).

How already? illustrated, the computerized device 20 ? configured to send (according to the telematic transmission methods described above) to the computerized platform 10 diagnostic data relating to the operating conditions of the lock 101 of a closing device 100 with which it interacts.

These diagnostic data advantageously comprise the above-illustrated notification messages of change of state of the lock 101 or any error or ?alert? sent during the execution of the unblocking procedures 50 or the blocking procedures 60.

The aforementioned diagnostic data can still include data already? memorized by the unit? of control 104, for example on the occasion of the execution of previous unlocking or locking procedures or on the occasion of breakdowns or maintenance interventions.

Preferably, the unit? of control 104 automatically sends (preferably in encrypted form) the diagnostic data already? stored (for example a suitably configured ?log-file?) to the computerized device 20 as soon as it connects with the latter, according to the communication protocol used. The computerized device 20 then provides for forwarding (preferably in encrypted form) the diagnostic data so? received at the computerized platform 10.

According to one aspect of the invention, the computerized platform 10 and each computerized device 20 are capable of performing a selection procedure 70 of a locking device 100 to be unlocked or locked (by means of an unlocking procedure 50 or a locking procedure 60, illustrated above).

With reference to figure 4, the selection procedure 70 comprises a phase 71 in which the computerized device 20 sends a selection message SS (according to the telematic transmission methods described above) of a closing device 100 to the computerized platform 10.

Preferably, the sending of the selection message SS by the computerized device 20 takes place in response to the selection of the closing device 100 by means of a suitable graphic interface of the computerized device.

The selection procedure 70 comprises a step 72 in which the computerized platform 10 verifies, following receipt of the selection message SS, whether the computerized device 100 can actually be enabled to interact with the selected closing device 100.

Preferably, this verification step comprises verifying that the position of the computerized device 20 is compatible with the position of the selected closure device 100. In this case, advantageously, the selection message SS sent by the computerized device 20 comprises data indicative of the position of the device itself. The computerized platform 10 compares the position of the computerized device with the position (known and stored in memory) of the closing device 100 and verifies that the positions of the computerized device and of the closing device are mutually compatible.

Preferably, this verification phase can also include verifying that the selected locking device 100 is actually managed by the computerized platform 10 and/or verifying that the selected locking device can actually be unlocked or locked by the computerized device 20 based on the operating conditions of the related lock 101.

On the basis of the outcome of the verification phase 72, the computerized platform 10 advantageously sends (according to the telematic transmission methods described above) a notification message to the computerized device 20. The latter provides for making this notification message available to the user. This notification message can be an error message or a confirmation message to proceed to interact with the selected locking device (for example by carrying out an unlocking procedure).

Preferably, the above-illustrated selection procedure 70 is performed before executing the above-illustrated unlocking procedure 50. In principle, however, it could be carried out, if necessary, even before carrying out the blocking procedure 60, illustrated above.

According to one aspect of the invention, the computerized platform 10 and each computerized device 20 are capable of performing an access procedure 80 to the aforementioned computerized platform.

With reference to figure 5, the access procedure 80 comprises a phase 81 in which the computerized device 20 sends (according to the telematic transmission methods described above) an access request message AR to the computerized platform 10.

The access procedure 80 comprises a step 82 in which the computerized platform 10 verifies, following receipt of the access request message AR, whether the computerized device 100 is actually enabled to interact with it.

This verification phase can include, for example, verifying the certification credentials of the computerized device 20.

Based on the outcome of the verification step 82, the computerized platform 10 advantageously sends (according to the telematic transmission methods described above) a notification message to the computerized device 20 which provides for making this notification message available to the user . This notification message can be an error message or a confirmation message to proceed to interact with the selected locking device (for example by carrying out an unlocking procedure).

Preferably, the selection procedure 80 illustrated above is performed whenever the computerized device 20 is initially disconnected from the computerized platform 10, for example prior to carrying out the selection and unlocking procedures illustrated above.

EXAMPLE

A brief example of use of the computerized system 1, according to the invention, will now be described as regards the management of locking devices for access doors to technical cabinets (for example street cabinets) of an infrastructural network, for example a telephone network.

Advantageously, each computerized device 20 ? a certified mobile computer device to access the unit? computerized 10.

To access the computerized platform 10, the user of a computerized device 20 (for example an operator) initiates the access procedure 80 illustrated above through a suitable user interface of the device itself (figure 5).

The computerized platform 10 and the computerized device 20 perform this access procedure.

If the access procedure 80 is successful, the user of a computerized device 20 selects the closing device of a technical cabinet to be released in order to gain access to the cabinet itself.

This selection (which can take place via a suitable user interface) starts the execution of the selection procedure 70 illustrated above (figure 4).

The computerized platform 10 and the computerized device 20 perform this selection procedure.

If the selection procedure 70 is successful, the user of a computerized device 20 starts the unlocking procedure 50 illustrated above by means of a suitable user interface (figure 2).

The computerized platform 10 and the computerized device 20 carry out this unlocking procedure in cooperation with the unit? control panel 104 of the selected closure device.

Thanks to the interaction between the computerized platform 10, the computerized device 20 and the unit? of control 104 of the closing device, the user can? obtain the release of the lock 101 of the closure device.

The user can what? manually open the lock 101 using the handle 103 and access the technical cabinet to carry out an intervention in the field.

Once the technical intervention has been completed, the user manually closes the lock 101 using the handle 103.

The unit control 104 of the closing device automatically controls the blocking of the lock 101 of the closing device.

Alternatively, the user initiates the blocking procedure 60 illustrated above by means of a suitable user interface (figure 3).

The computerized platform 10 and the computerized device 20 carry out this blocking procedure in cooperation with the unit? control panel 104 of the selected closure device. Thanks to the interaction between the computerized platform 10, the computerized device 20 and the unit? of control 104 of the closing device, the user can? what? obtain blocking of the lock 101 of the closing device.

Yup ? verified in practice how the present invention offers numerous advantages with respect to the solutions of the known art.

The peculiar characteristic of the computerized system, according to the invention, consists in the capacity? to easily control and remotely manage multiple locking devices 100 while ensuring high safety standards.

The computerized system, according to the invention, advantageously employs computerized devices 20 (preferably of the mobile type and suitably certified by the computerized platform 10) capable of executing a suitable software application 20A to interact (by remote communications) with a computerized platform 10 and with the? unit? of control 104 of the closing devices 100 (by means of proximity communications?).

This architecture ensures a remarkable simplicity? and flexibility? in the management of the closing devices 100 and in the ?contactless? interaction with the latter, the cio? without using keys or other tools to unlock or block the relative lock.

The computerized system according to the invention is widely used in the industrial field, in particular in the management of infrastructural networks, for example electric or telephone networks. The computerized system, according to the invention, can however, also find use in contexts of different types, for example in the home, in the management of fleets of vehicles with passenger compartment (for example to provide car rental or ?car sharing? services), in the management of safety deposit boxes or mailboxes, in the management of accesses to buildings, or more? in general, whenever it is necessary to manage a large number of accesses to corresponding confined spaces.

The computerized system, according to the invention, is relatively simple and cheap to implement in practice.

The unit control 104 of each closing device 100 can? be easily configured to interact (preferably wirelessly) with an external computerized device 20, for example a smartphone.

The software application 20A executed by each computerized device 20 can be easily implemented and configured to be compatible with operating systems normally used in computerized devices of the ?consumer? (for example Windows?, Android? and iOS?) and/or in such a way that it can be easily installed on board the computerized device.

The computerized platform 10 can? be easily implemented according to modality? of a known type, for example through computer networks organized according to a?cloud?architecture.

Claims (12)

A computerized system (1) for controlling closure devices (100) for confined space entry barriers, each closure device comprising: - a lock (101) which can be operated reversibly between a block condition, in correspondence with which said lock cannot? be opened manually by a user, and an unlock condition, in which said lock cannot? be opened manually by a user; - an electromechanical actuation device (102) for reversibly actuating said lock (101) between said lock and unlock conditions; - a?unit? control device (104) capable of communicating with a computerized device and including computerized resources (104A) for controlling the operation of said electromechanical actuation device; characterized in that said computerized system comprises: - a computerized platform (10) connected to a digital communication network and comprising computerized resources (10A) for managing said closing devices (100); - at least one computerized device (20) capable of communicating with said computerized platform and with the unit? control system (104) of each closure device, said computerized device being capable of executing a software application (20A) to interact with said computerized platform (10) and the unit? control (104) of a closing device; wherein said computerized platform (10) and said computerized device (20) are suitable for carrying out unlocking or locking procedures (50, 60) of a closing device (100) in cooperation with the unit? control (104) of said closing device, in which said computerized device (20) ? capable of sending, during said unlocking or blocking procedures, command messages (UC2, LC2) to said unit? controller (104), said command-unlock or command-lock messages comprising data packets (DP1, DP2) which include command instructions for said unit? control system (104), said data packets being sent from said computerized platform (10) to said computerized device (20) and being encrypted by said computerized platform so as to be unreadable for said computerized device (20) and legible for the unit ? controller (104) of said closing device. 2. Computerized system, according to claim 1, characterized in that said computerized platform (10) and said computerized device (20) are suitable for carrying out an unlocking procedure (50) of a closing device (100) in cooperation with the? unit? control (104) of said closure device, said release procedure comprising the following steps: - by said computerized device (20), sending an unlock request message (UR) of said closing device (100) to said computerized platform (10); - by said computerized platform (10), sending, following receipt of said request-unlocking message (UR), a first command-unlocking message (UC1) to said computerized device (20), said first commandunblock comprising a first data packet (DP1) which includes command instructions for said unit? controller (104), said first data packet (DP1) being encrypted by said computerized platform (10) so as to be unreadable for said computerized device (20) and readable for the unit? control (104) of said closing device; - by said computerized device (20), sending, following receipt of said first command-unlock message (UC1), a second command-unlock message (UC2) to said closing device (100), said second command-unblock message (UC2) including said first data packet (DP1); in which the? unit? control (104) of said closing device (100) ? adapted to send, following the receipt of said second command-release message (UC2), first control signals (C1) to the electromechanical actuation device (102) of said closing device to actuate the lock (101) of said device closing from said blocking condition to said unlocking condition. 3. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the unit? control (104) of said closing device (100) ? able to perform a verification of validity? of the command instructions included in said first data packet (DP1) before sending said first control signals (C1). 4. Computerized system, according to one of the claims from 2 to 3, characterized in that the unit? control (104) of said closing device (100) ? adapted to send, following the actuation of said lock (101), second control signals (C2) to the electromechanical actuation device (102) of said closure device to actuate the lock (101) of said closure device from said condition of release to said condition of lock, in the event that the user does not open said lock within a predefined period of time starting from the instant of activation of said lock following the execution of said release procedure (50). 5. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the unit? control (104) of said closing device (100) ? adapted to send, following a manual closing of the lock of a closing device (100) by a user, second control signals (C2) to the electromechanical actuation device (102) of said closing device to operate the lock (101) of said locking device from said unlocked condition to said locked condition. 6. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computerized platform (10) and said computerized device (20) are suitable for carrying out a locking procedure (60) of a closing device (100) in cooperation with the unit? control (104) of said closing device, said blocking procedure comprising the following steps: - by said computerized device (20), sending a lock request message (LR) of said closing device (100) to said computerized platform (10); - by said computerized platform (10), sending, following receipt of said request-block message (LR), a first command-block message (LC1) to said computerized device (20), said first message of commandblock comprising a second data packet (DP2) which includes command instructions for said unit? controller (104), said second data packet (DP2) being encrypted by said computerized platform (10) so as to be unreadable for said computerized device (20) and readable for the unit? control (104) of said closing device; - by said computerized device (20), sending, following receipt of said first command-lock message (LC1), a second command-lock message (LC2) to said closing device (100), said second command-block message (LC2) including said second data packet (DP2); in which the? unit? control (104) of said closing device (100) ? configured to send, following receipt of said second command-lock message (LC2), second control signals (C2) to the electromechanical actuation device (102) of said closing device to actuate the lock (101) of said device closing from said unlock condition to said lock condition. 7. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computerized device (20) is adapted to send to said computerized platform (10) diagnostic data relating to the operating conditions of the lock (101) of a closing device (100), said diagnostic data being sent by the unit? control (104) of said closing device (100). 8. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computerized platform (10) and said computerized device (20) are suitable for carrying out a selection procedure (70) of a closing device (100) to be unlocked or locked, said selection procedure including the following stages: - by said computerized device (20), sending a selection message (SS) of said closing device (100) to said computerized platform; - by said computerized platform (10), verify, following receipt of said selection message (SS), whether said computerized device (20) can be enabled to interact with said closing device (100). 9. Computerized system, according to claim 8, characterized in that said verification step comprises verifying that the position of said computerized device (20) is compatible with the position of said closing device (100). 10. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computerized platform (10) and said computerized device (20) are able to perform an access procedure (80) to said computerized platform, said access procedure comprising the following steps: - by said computerized device (20), sending an access request (AR) message to said computerized platform (10); - by said computerized platform (10), verifying whether the user of said computerized device (20) is enabled to interact with said computerized platform (10). 11. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computerized device (20) is a mobile computer device. 12. Computerized system, according to one or more? of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computerized device (20) is a computer device certified by said computer platform (10) to access said computer platform.